Entertainment Design

Credits: 3

This course is an introduction to drawing the human form that explores observational and imaginative drawing techniques using graphite and charcoal. Students work from the draped and undraped model. Emphasis is on accurate representation of the figure utilizing observation with the elements of gesture, measurement, construction line, volume, proportion, and surface anatomy. Materials include graphite and charcoal.

Credits: 3

This course is designed to introduce the student to three-dimensional thinking and composition as it applies to the human form. Students will learn to render form using effective visual observation and measuring techniques, while working from live models. The use of linear and volumetric proportional systems is stressed, as is the construction and understanding of form. Technical procedures of clay modeling, basic use of tools, and proper use of the armature (its orientation in relation to the model) will be addressed. Materials used: oil clay.

Credits: 3

This is a studio course meant to introduce students to Entertainment Design and the creative practices and problem-solving techniques used in the Entertainment industry. This course provides foundations skills commonly used in the creation of concept art. There is an emphasis on the visual development process and approaches to drawing and painting that provide students with an ability to clearly communicate the form and function of characters, objects, and environments. Students will learn basic xyz and constructive sketching techniques. Students will use inspiration and reference to develop their ideas into thumbnail designs, resolved sketches and diagrams, and finished concept illustrations.

Credits: 3

This course is an introduction to the art of cinematography. Students will learn fundamental techniques of visual storytelling for film & television through the lens of the cinematographer. Emphasis is placed on storytelling with light, continuity, compositional strategies within the frame, and understanding the lens. Students will use cameras and create concept art as they learn to master cinematic compositions. Additionally, students will be required to watch and analyze films in order to learn visual storytelling from master film makers. Students are encouraged to work with digital and traditional materials to complete all assignments.

Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the rendering and painting of digital images from life and the imagination. A focus on developing observational skills and working from life will build a foundation for original imaginative work. Topics covered include Photoshop tools and best practices, fundamentals of light and shadow, color theory reference research, and basic design and composition as well as the use and creation of custom brush sets. The course will include demos, lecture, and in class exercises & critique coupled with homework.

Credits: 3.0

This course introduces the fundamentals of sketching and drawing for communication and design, with a focus on the entertainment industry. Students will develop skills in observational drawing and perspective to bring their ideas to life. Emphasis is placed on constructive drawing techniques.
Students sketch from life, work with references, and create original designs based on research and an understanding of form and function.
Topics include one, two, and three-point perspective, composition, and techniques for translating 3D forms into 2D space. Students will explore line weight, textures, and foundational design principles using both traditional media—graphite, ink, and pens—and digital tools.
Through lectures, demonstrations, and critiques, students will create a sketchbook of observational studies, technical exercises, and original designs, building the visual library needed to effectively communicate ideas in the entertainment industry.

Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the basic principles and techniques of 3D modeling, lighting, texturing, and software navigation. The course is designed with the absolute beginner in mind, providing an overview of common tools and techniques used by concept artists in the entertainment industry. The course will teach students the importance of working with basic modeling and lighting techniques, which can be used to create complex and accurate concept art, speed up their visual development pipeline, and prepare them for work in the entertainment industry.

Credits:

The Advancement Review (AR) is a formal portfolio review designed to evaluate competency in foundation studio art abilities at the fourth semester Sophomore level, or when the student has earned between 40 and 65 total academic units. Students submit a series of images to the AR, which is held twice-a-year. A panel of faculty evaluate submissions, and the student is presented the results showing scores of: Outstanding, Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, or Deficient in areas that include: Anatomy, Perspective, Digital Painting, Constructive Drawing, 3D Design, and Concept Design/Visual Development. Students are required to obtain designated tutoring for all categories scored “deficient” prior to re-submitting during the next AR submission period. Once all categories have received a minimum score of satisfactory or higher, the AR requirement will be credited as “passed”. Failure to pass all categories of the AR will result in the student being withheld from entering senior status.

Credits: 3

In this course students will learn the skills to texture and light objects and characters as well as model more efficiently and accurately. Students will use texture editing systems to adhere and manipulate textures onto form. Students learn to model in polygons as well as model within the surfaces offered within Zbrush software (i.e., subdivision surfaces).

Credits: 3

This is an advanced course in visualization, art direction and production design with an emphasis on the organization of all the pictorial components in a visual system supporting a narrative content. The conceptualization of design choices, the calibration of stylistic parameters and other world building techniques will be explored through the creation of detailed concept art and the elaboration of a complete style guide.

Credits: 3

This course teaches students to develop and create a sequential series of staged drawings (that is, the visual script of each scene in a film). The course covers how to effectively portray the essence of a story by means of quick and accurate sketches. A brief overview of script writing is included. The script’s plot, situations, and conflict are developed from rough sketches to finished presentations. This course also examines staging, cinematography, drama, action notes, dialogue, pacing, timing, and sequencing the story’s action.

Credits: 3

This is an advanced studio course in Environment Design. Students will build on skills learned in Environment Design 1 to design environments that can be used in film and television, feature animation and themed locations. An emphasis will be placed on the visual development process starting with inspiration, then proceeding with thumbnail sketches, refined sketches, final drawings, and renderings. Students will learn to incorporate 3D software in the development process for efficiency and increased productivity. Additionally, students will learn how to communicate ideas with orthographic views, isometric views, and cut-away views.

Credits: 3

This is a lecture and studio course introducing principles of matte painting; an intensive study of techniques used for film, games and editorial illustration. Students will use a combination of traditional and digital painting concepts. Knowledge of color theory and multiple-point linear perspective are essential. Photo-realism in painting is discussed with examples from both art and film. Approaches to painting realistic architecture, nature, and interiors/exteriors and props will be explored.   Comprehension of key terms and concepts are taught, with projects designed to develop practical software skills and aesthetic development.

Credits: 3

This course is a continuation of Character Design I. Students create and construct model sheets of unique and imaginative animated characters. The focus is on design uniformity, composition, and effective use of color. Personal style and interpretation are developed. Craft and rendering techniques are perfected while students strive to execute quality portfolio pieces.

Credits: 3

This course is a continuation of 3-D design 2. Students will gain further abilities to create fantastical creatures, props and objects.  

Credits: 3

This course explores various places that entertain the public. The goal is to research and envision a desired experience, and then plan and design a place to achieve that experience through making of illustrations, props and models using appropriate materials. Places might include, theatrical productions, theme parks, rides, performing arts and event venues.

Credits: 3

In this course students will be introduced to the most current workflows in concept design and visual development. Students will work with the newest advancements in technology, including virtual reality based modeling programs and advanced special-effects platforms. Students will learn how to follow and keep up with current trends in digital technologies, by experimenting with software they are unfamiliar with and by learning to teach themselves new techniques when necessary. The software used in this course will change as technology improves and as trends change. In this course students will gain experience with the newest art making technologies, in order to prepare them for unique job opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Credits: 3

This is an advanced studio course in Themed Entertainment design. Students will build on skills learned in Themed Entertainment Design 1 as they design themed locations meant to immerse the public in themed based locations. Students will continue to develop two-dimensional designs and illustrations that apply to the themed entertainment industry. Emphasis will also be placed on building three dimensional objects, models, and other sculptural elements used to support immersive storytelling in location-based entertainment. Places can include immersive installations, theatrical productions, theme parks, performing arts and event venues.

Credits: 3

This course focuses on mastering the essential concepts, tools, and workflows of 3D modeling in the visual development pipeline. Students will become comfortable with the complex interface of the 3D modeling software, so that they will have an easier time creating assets for concept designs in the film/tv and themed entertainment design industries. The focus is on 3D tools and practices used by concept artists to create complex designs in the pre-visualization phase of the design process and to create models that can be used as the structure of concept drawing and painting. Efficiency in model design, construction, and lighting are stressed.

Credits: 3

Senior Portfolio 1 is taken after the completion of all foundation, sophomore, and junior level classes. This is a directed studies course that provides students with the opportunity to create the physical pieces that will become the core of their first working portfolio. The class is offered as a transition from the academic experience to a professional life as a designer in the Entertainment Industry. Students select their own topic or theme for a body of work, the progress of which will be monitored through individual appointments between the student and Senior Portfolio faculty. Intensive group critiques take place throughout the term to allow for class interaction. All coursework is done outside the classroom. Prerequisite: ED001, completion of Junior level classes, senior status.

Credits: 3

A directed studies course that provides, through faculty supervision, the time, opportunity, and advisement for each student to create the physical pieces that will become the core of their first working portfolio. The class is offered as a transition from the academic experience to a professional life as a designer in the Entertainment Industry. Students select their own topic or theme for a body of work, the progress of which will be monitored through individual appointments between the student and Senior Portfolio faculty. Intensive group critiques are spaced throughout the term to allow for class interaction. All coursework is done outside the classroom.

Credits: 3

An understanding of human anatomy is the most fundamentally important aspect in creating believable characters and creatures for any field of entertainment. This course will help students to construct anatomically sound and aesthetically pleasing human and humanoid figures.

Credits: 3

This course is designed to further develop the students understanding of perspective. Areas covered will include multipoint and curvilinear perspective, cast shadows, reflections, forced perspective and distortion. The goal of this course is to further the students ability to accurately conceive and create environments from imagination using quick-sketch empirical methods in addition to traditional mechanical processes covered in fundamentals of perspective.

Credits: 3.0

This course introduces the fundamentals of figure painting, focusing on both head studies and
full-figure compositions to build a strong foundation for character design. Students will explore facial structure, proportions, and likeness, as well as the figure in the context of light and shadow, gesture, anatomy, and foreshortening.
Using gouache and acrylic, students will practice quick sketch and long-pose techniques while developing skills in composition, color theory, and color harmony. The course also examines how light, color temperature, proximity, and reflected light affect the figure in space. Emphasis is placed on making visual and artistic decisions informed by historical and contemporary figure drawing and painting styles.

Credits: 3.0

“This course provides an in-depth exploration of character design principles, focusing on creating unique and imaginative characters for the game and entertainment industry. Students will begin with preliminary sketches and construction drawings, progressing to refined character concepts that include turnarounds, facial expressions, action poses, and detailed callouts.
A variety of styles will be explored, with an emphasis on working from imagination, expanding visual libraries, and strengthening both drawing and presentation skills. By the end of the course, students will have developed polished character designs that demonstrate versatility and creativity, preparing them for professional work in animation, games, and beyond.”

Credits: 3.0

This course offers an introduction to the conceptual process of environment design for video games. Environment concept artists for the game industry skillfully combine real world logic and design techniques to create unique and compelling environments, interiors, exteriors, props, and vehicles for a variety of stories and historical eras. This requires a dynamic understanding of industrial design and illustration skills to cohesively understand how things are built, and to visually communicate proper design elements through drawing, and show narrative aspects of the design. Students will create original design solutions through silhouettes, thumbnail sketches, and renderings to support a comprehensive visual narrative. Students will obtain a solid understanding of how to create original environments utilizing traditional methods, available technology, and 3D visualization techniques to create layouts.

Credits: 3.0

This introductory course provides students from all majors with the essential skills and workflows of digital sculpting. Using ZBrush students will explore both organic and hard surface sculpting techniques. The course empowers artists to integrate digital sculpting into their creative workflows, whether for 2D concept art, high-resolution 3D models, or rapid prototyping. Key areas of focus include fast iteration, file management, rendering, and preparing models for 3D printing.

Credits: 3.0

Experimental Animation’s “Fabrication” class offers students a comprehensive learning experience that encompasses essential skills in Real-World mold making, casting, character and prop sculpting, and miniature set construction. These skills are frequently encountered in fields such as Stop Motion, Visual Effects Animation, and Environment Design. Throughout the course, students will develop proficiency in both traditional and digital mediums. The curriculum combines traditional craftsmanship with hands-on experience in woodworking and foam cutting tools, as well as painting and airbrushing techniques to realistically simulate a variety of real-world textures and materials. Additionally, students will be required to explore modern technology through an introduction to 3D-CAD, 3D-Sculpting, and 3D-Printing. The culmination of students’ learning journey involves designing and creating a captivating set and a compelling character for their final project. This project serves as a platform for students to showcase their creative and technical abilities, demonstrating the skills they have acquired throughout the course.

Credits: 3.0

This course introduces the fundamentals of landscape painting and environment design, focusing on concepts and skills essential for creating outdoor scenes for professional projects. Students will learn to study light, simplify complex organic forms into manageable designs, and apply limited value systems and color theory to create compelling compositions.
Students will work both on-site from life and in a studio setting using references, including photography and online resources such as MapCrunch and Pinterest. Techniques will be explored through traditional media like markers and gouache, as well as digital tools, with Photoshop as the primary software. Other digital painting software may also be introduced.

Credits: 3.0

TThis studio course explores the art of costume design, focusing on the intersection of character silhouette, costume, and the draped figure as they relate to the entertainment industry. Students will examine the aesthetic, cultural, and historical context of clothing, costume accessories, and armor, studying their evolution across millennia and their application in character design for theater, film, games, and fashion.
Through sketching and rendering, students will develop a strong understanding of how costume design enhances storytelling and supports character development. The course emphasizes design skills specific to the entertainment industry, providing a foundation for creating visually compelling and contextually rich costumes for a variety of creative fields.

Credits: 3

This lecture course introduces the student to small business practices that help bridge the gap between the educational experience and the professional world of the illustrator. Topics include self-promotion, processes and intricacies of finding work, printing of promotional collateral, setting up a working studio, legal and pricing guidelines, and billing clients, contracts, and professional organizations. Includes guest artists and field trips to art studios, agencies, and art directors.

Credits: 3

This course focuses on storytelling with pictures. Students learn the relationship between character and story development, and how to compose images and arrange them in sequence to present a coherent and emotionally effective story. Students also work on public speaking skills by pitching their story to the class.

Credits: 3

An insider’s introduction to the world of Toy Design. This course will cover the basic concepts of toy line development and design. Action Figures, Vehicles, Playsets and Role-play items drawn from intellectual property (I.P.) applied across many different age categories and play patterns. Learn to develop the B-Sheets/Concept Drawings, Inputs/Control Drawings and Presentation images that are the mainstays of industry. More importantly learn how to bring play, fun and learning to cool products that inspire and enrich kids (and adult) imaginations and lives.

Credits: 3

In this unique course, art students will explore the eerie and captivating world of haunt design, where imagination, storytelling, and the art of creating unsettling environments come together. Students will dive into the principles of designing spaces that evoke fear, mystery, and the supernatural all the while keeping guest flow and storytelling paramount. Through a mixture of haunt history, story-telling, model-making, and conceptual design, students will learn how to evoke a sense of horror, wonder, and suspense using various artistic and design techniques.

Credits: 3.0

This course is designed to empower graphic designers with the knowledge and skills needed to create compelling visual content for a wide range of digital platforms. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, students will gain an understanding of how to engage, inform, and inspire audiences across various online platforms including social media, websites, mobile apps, and emerging technologies. Topics include social media literacy, best practices for digital file distribution, domain name registration, web hosting, and a survey of dominant platforms and technologies that allow for instant, global communication. Software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, text-editors, and supplemental open source and third party tools for design and content management.

Credits: 3.0

This is an introductory-level course designed for students to develop or enhance their 3D modeling skills.   Instruction will focus on the artistry needed to create compelling, “feature-length-quality” characters, while showing how to design and implement geometry best suited for rigging and animation.   Students may focus on character or background geometry for their projects.  Students will be introduced to new software tools and techniques based upon professional practices utilized by top studios in the industry.

Credits: 3

This course investigates the history, practice, and visual language of collage. Utilizing varied sources to gather images and found objects, students will investigate and research interpersonal connections to images and objects they feel connected too. This course is structured around three main projects that seek to expand the creative, technical, and conceptual possibilities, all while aspiring to push the boundaries within the media of collage.